You’ve heard us rave about Claudine Wolk’s book, “It Get’s Easier, and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers”. It really is a book every mom needs to read! So here Claudine is with a guest post on how to be a published author! Krista – think about it, seriously! Please leave us a comment and tell us what YOU would name your book, if you wrote one!
Living The Dream… YOU Could be a Published Author, Too
How many times have you uttered (or thought), “I’ve learned so much about (insert what you’ve learned) that I should write a book.” If there is a book inside you, I’m here to tell you, publishing can be a can become a reality for you!
Here is my story…
While trying to get my book, It Gets Easier! And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers published through traditional routes, I developed a relationship with an agent. When I say developed a relationship I mean that out of the 75 agents I wrote for representation, she actually wrote me back! She liked the book but she wasn’t willing to take me on as a client. I asked why. She told me that my platform wasn’t big enough. Now I know a lot of things, but the meaning of “author platform” eluded me. First, I looked round to check out my but, then I decided to simply ask the question.
“Become an expert,” she said, “Get published in newspapers and magazines, create a blog following, and do some speaking engagements.”
After her response, I pushed my luck with one last question and asked, “If I do all of these things, would you consider me as a client?”
“You bet,” was her miraculous answer.
I took this little bit of encouragement and decided that I could wait no longer for my message to get out there. I decided to create a publishing company and self-publish the book. Throughout the process, however, I took the agent’s advice. I wrote. I connected on the Internet. I booked speaking gigs. I became an expert. I landed a spot on Dr. Laura’s nationally syndicated radio program as her “Monday book pick” and sold 600 copies of the book on Amazon in one day. As my book came into being, I did one more thing, I stayed in touch with the agent.
When my book cover was done, I sent her an email with the cover attached, “What do you think?” I asked.
When my title was decided upon, I sent another email, “How do you like the title?”
When my book was completed, I sent her a copy of the book.
When I landed the spot on Dr. Laura’s nationally syndicated radio program, I sent the agent an email showing my Amazon sales ranking, and she finally said the words I had longed to hear, “Are you looking for representation to have this booked picked up by a publisher?”
The rest is history. I’ve been with Verna Dreisbach with Dreisbach Literary Management ever since. Six months into our relationship and Ms. Dreisbach and I were signing a bona fide publishing contract with AMACOM books!
My book, It Gets Easier! and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers, was released by AMACOM in August 2009.
Now then, if you are seriously considering writing a book I’ve got three guidelines for you and two book recommendations.
1. If you think you may want to write a book, write it! Writing it down will prove that you have the discipline and enough material to make a book come to fruition.
2. Ask yourself if you are truly passionate about your subject for the simple reason that you will be spending a lot of time on that subject for a long, long time.
3. How thick is your skin? Throwing yourself out there is going to bring criticism with it, ask Amy Chua. Be sure that you can take it or that you have the capacity to learn how to take it.
Before you do one more thing go out and buy:
Write The Perfect Book Proposal by Jeff Herman and Levine Herman – This is the quintessential guide for writing book proposals that is accepted in the industry
The Self-Publishing Manual by Dan Poynter – Even if you do not self-publish, this easy to read manual will familiarize you with the publishing industry in a jiffy!
Best of luck and remember, it’s never a good time. Take the time to explore your dream.
Claudine Wolk is a mother of three, wife of one, and author of It Gets Easier and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers, a book for new moms. When faced with motherhood for the first time, she completely freaked out (it was so hard) and decided to write a book so that other new moms would not freak out like she did. She blogs, Tweets, and Facebooks on all topics mom-related. She enjoys long walks on the beach, bubble baths with a good book, and men who aren’t afraid to cry. You can find her at http://help4newmoms.com/wordpress
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Love the post yet hate the idea of all of the work! However, I took a small step today by jotting down some ideas for series of kids books about loving a child through foster care…hopefully there will a happy adoption story too, someday. Thanks for the encouragement.
Claudine – I read the book and I loved it!! I wish I would have read it when I was pregnant with my first but felt it very useful even now with two children. I gave it to a pregnant friend but honestly I wanted to keep it for refrence. I especially loved the chapter about working moms vs stay at home moms, you nailed that!
Hey Krista, what a great idea for a series of books. No pressure, but if your serious, another great idea is to browse through Amazon within the genre of your book idea. What else is out there? How is your idea unique? How well do the books in your genre sell? This research will help you make your decision and will be time well-pent when putting together a book proposal. Good luck!
Hi Amanda. I'm so glad you liked the book. As you say, the first half of the book is for new mom survival. The chapter you mentioned, the working mom vs the SAHM debate, is really the "meat" of the book in my opinion. I had a blast writing about all the controversial stuff that comes with being a mom – all those touchy-feely topics that moms are sometimes afraid to discuss for fear of being called a bad mom. You need a copy for your night stand! Send me your address and I'll send you a new copy for you to keep at claudine@help4newmoms.com.
Great advice, Claudine. I am in the middle of this process as we speak. One of my big motivations for starting my blog was to develop a "platform", so I am glad to see that I am on the right track. Next step – start speaking… where to start on this one? I am DETERMINED to make it happen! Thanks for sharing your insights.
Well, first you have decide what you would like to speak about. Then you have to consider where you might find the people who would be interested in what you have to say. I wanted to reach new moms so I started with MOM's Club International groups. I googled Moms Clubs in my area and simply asked them if I could come and visit. (For Free) From there, I reached out to libraries, women's clubs, church groups, and book clubs. Then I started to find Mom expos (trade shows for pregnant women) and offered my services to them. Soon I was booked and getting practice and exposure. I understand that their are speaking organizations that can help you to get started. I found that having a bit of experience under my belt was the best start for me. Good Luck!